8mm Forum: Umit & Son

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Posted by Brian Hendel (Member # 61) on August 11, 2017, 11:07 AM:

Does anyone know if this quirky film shop is still open in London? I'm here on holiday and wanted to stop by - but everything online seems like it's from years ago. I didn't want to get all the way there (it's not exactly central London) and find out it's long gone. Any info on this or any other store in London that would still have super 8 for sale would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on August 11, 2017, 11:18 AM:

It is still up on Yelp guide here https://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/umit-and-son-london, but no updates for a while.

I last passed the shop in December last year and all was well then.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on August 11, 2017, 11:47 AM:

It's only a few miles from Euston Brian. A forum member elsewhere visited the shop only a few months back so I am certain it will still be there and open.

Posted by Brian Hendel (Member # 61) on August 11, 2017, 01:50 PM:

The crazy thing if memory serves from when I visited a decade ago - he doesn't like to sell his films. It's more of like his personal library where he likes to do film shows. I think I even left empty.-handed which is very unlike me!

Posted by Panayotis A. Carayannis (Member # 1220) on August 11, 2017, 02:40 PM:

There was recently talk about Umit on the "other forum". Yes,he is alive and kicking. Yes,sometimes when you choose a film he says it is from his personal collection and not for sale. Yes, he is a fair dealer and O.K. person

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on August 12, 2017, 02:21 PM:

Brian - your recollections are absolutely right as a lot of the films on the shelves are essentially the 'library' of the owner, that he uses when presenting shows, and he seems to do quite a lot of these as a result of hiring out his services. Quite a few of the intriguing-looking films that look like unusual Super 8 releases turn out to be shrink wrapped empty boxes with artwork applied, so it's wise to be prepared to find less films than initially appear to be the case, but it's a unique shop. I dropped in a few months ago and also left empty handed!

If you plan a UK trip in August again, heading north to visit the CHC sale weekend could be worth your while, as the stock of film there is astonishing.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on August 12, 2017, 09:12 PM:

So if he is not much selling from his shelves, curios to know, what he made for living through his shop?

Posted by Brian Hendel (Member # 61) on August 15, 2017, 05:25 PM:

Just got back to New York from London... and on my last night of my trip I actually made it to Umit's shop. If you are visiting London, I strongly recommend paying Umit a visit- it's not that easy to get to... sort of off the Tube line... Lower Clapton Road, etc. As we kept saying to each other, we are part of a "dying breed." We talked and talked and talked about the glory days of super 8 collecting. His shop is stacked to the ceiling with films... 16, Super 8mm and Regular 8. In his own words, he is a collector first and a salesman second - so very few of the pieces in his collection are actually for sale. He's VERY proud to show off his uncut 'Texas Chainsaw' and his four reel 'Enter the Dragon' - things he will NEVER part with - no matter what the price. It's fun to look at all the boxes -original and homemade. It's an odd business he's got going... not sure how he pays the rent - kids pop in and out buying candy and sodas... I think he makes most of his cash by doing film shows at local churches, groups, etc. who hire him to show his 16/8 features at get togethers. He's doing a 'Death Wish' coming up that he is VERY excited about (it's one of his favorites). I was having a ball just sharing memories with another collector. In the end, I picked up a mint 400' of Dracula with Lugosi (mine is a bit scratched)... and as I was about to say goodbye he asked if I collected regular 8mm films, to which I said, 'Of course!' Then he started listing some regular 8 features he was willing to part with and then he said it: "Would you be interested in a feature sound print of 'The Phantom of the Opera'? - First, I thought he meant the Chaney version, which of course I have... then he said, 'No, the Hammer version with Herbert Lom - sound' Having had the 400' digest for years, the feature is something I have literally been looking for for decades. 'Yes - Yes - Yes!!!!' I couldn't believe my search was over. Needless to say, I bought the feature for a very reasonable 30 pounds. As I write, I am on reel 4 of 5. It is mint and absolutely gorgeous! Generic boxes, but I happen to have an empty box with the artwork that is just waiting for a feature print to complete it As a collector there is nothing like a decades-long search coming to an end. It made my whole trip to the UK, totally worthwhile. A dream come true. It made me so happy. I am giving it a good clean with Film Renew since it looks like it hasn't had a bath in 50 years. I took a photo of us in the shop but don't know quite how to post it. It's amazing when a Super 8 (Regular 8) dream comes true. Stay on the hunt everyone... and go say 'hi' to Umit. We are all part of a dying breed that needs to stay in touch. There's a short film on Vimeo called "The Way of the Do Do" that gives a great insight into how he's keeping the hobby alive... check it out!

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on August 15, 2017, 06:52 PM:

Fabulous tale there Brian and as you say us "Dodo's" have to stick together!

So very pleased your trip to our Capital was made all the more worthwhile by visiting Umit's shop and you now have a cherished print to carry these memories through to your entire lifetime from your visit.

I am really pleased you apparently thoroughly enjoyed your visit to the UK and hopefully next time it will include a visit to Manchester for a night time Euro City game and Super 8mm extravaganza in Woodyrama!

Simba, It's to die for!

[Big Grin]

Posted by Brian Hendel (Member # 61) on August 16, 2017, 06:40 PM:

Thanks for the invite... maybe someday I will make it to Manchester again. I was there about 25 years ago. Spent the night while on my way to the Blackpool film show. My memory is a bit foggy, but I remember being happy to be in the town where one of my favorite singers at the time, Morrissey, got his start. Glad you are keeping the film hobby alive there!

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